News Release

Texas Access to Justice Foundation 
December 23,
  2019

Texas Access to Justice Foundation Awards Grants in Honor of John Grisham, 35th Anniversary

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Access to Justice Foundation (TAJF) awarded grants to four legal aid organizations in honor of renowned author John Grisham and the organization’s 35th anniversary. Grisham recently served as the keynote speaker of the Foundation’s Anniversary Dinner and generously donated his time and service on behalf of those in need of legal aid. 

As a result of the generosity of lawyers, law firms, corporations and other partners, the TAJF is providing a $75,000 grant each to: Legal Aid of Northwest Texas, Lone Star Legal Aid, South Texas Pro Bono Asylum Project (ProBAR), and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid in Grisham’s honor. These grants will provide basic civil legal services to those in need in Texas.

“Speaking from personal experience John Grisham passionately recounted how having the help of a lawyer makes the vital difference for those struggling with legal challenges,” said Richard L. Tate, chair, TAJF Board of Directors. “We thank him for bringing this message to our 35th Anniversary celebration and for his work to encourage others to make a difference.”

Attendees of the Anniversary Dinner received copies of the latest bestseller, “The Guardians,” autographed by Grisham. Grisham serves on tthe Leaders Council of the Legal Services Corporation, an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans.

“The Supreme Court of Texas congratulates the Texas Access to Justice Foundation on its 35th anniversary and on the important work it does to serve disadvantaged Texans in need of civil legal services,” said Justice Eva Guzman, Access to Justice Liaison of the Court. “We also acknowledge John Grisham’s generosity of spirit and time in our efforts to ensure justice for all.”

Since its creation, the Texas Access to Justice Foundation has awarded nearly $770 million to legal aid organizations across Texas. With support from TAJF grants, nonprofit organizations throughout the state provide free or low-cost legal services for veterans, victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations.

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The Texas Access to Justice Foundation (www.teajf.org), created by the Supreme Court of Texas in 1984, is the leading state-based funding source for the provision of civil legal aid in Texas. The organization is committed to the vision that all Texans will have equal access to justice, regardless of their income. The Foundation administers a variety of funding sources, which are earmarked to assist nonprofit organizations in providing legal aid to more than 150,000 Texas families each year.

 

Contact: Kimberly Schmitt
512-320-0099, ext. 104
kschmitt@teajf.org

 

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